General Manager Paolo Middei
Butchers & Bakers is excited to announce their new General Manager, Paolo Middei, an award-winning expert in the restaurant and hospitality industry. We are confident that Paolo will enrich our guest experiences by ensuring exceptional dining with friendly, attentive service and artisanal food and drinks in a fun atmosphere.
Paolo was born in Italy, and his career took him to many places, including Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. His travels helped refine his service-oriented skills at some of the world’s most highly recognized fine dining establishments and five-star hotels. In 2006 he moved to the USA, and his passion for the industry brought him to the Relais & Châteaux Resort, a boutique hotel and restaurant on Winvian Farm in Morris, Connecticut. Paolo started there as the Food and Beverage Division Manager, then shortly after, his impeccable talent shined through, and he was awarded a promotion in 2009. He became the property’s General Manager, putting him in charge of all operations. Paolo and his team exceeded guests’ expectations, earning them the AAA Five Diamonds Award in 2012. This honor is one of the most prestigious accolades luxury hotels can receive. Three years later, he received the Pineapple Award, another coveted industry accolade and a testament to his outstanding career.
Paolo’s passion for management and unparalleled customer service speaks volumes of his character. He goes the extra mile for guests, ensuring every aspect of their experience is perfect, down to the smallest detail. He brings his positive energy and years of expertise to Butchers & Bakers and will show the local community how excellent customer service can go a long way. He looks forward to creating connections with a new array of guests, so don’t be afraid to say hello!
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick cocktail or sitting down for a hand-crafted meal, we can guarantee that the entire Butchers & Bakers establishment will put a smile on your face.
Executive Chef Zach Shuman
Leading the Evolution of Its Delightful Hand-Crafted American Fare
Butchers & Bakers announced their newest culinary team member, Executive Chef Zach Shuman, a food and industry veteran. In this role, he will be responsible for enhancing the hand-crafted, creative dishes the acclaimed menu currently offers. Butchers & Bakers was founded in 2017 and is part of the Locals 8 Hospitality Group.
Born and raised in West Hartford, CT, Shuman has spent nearly all his life pursuing his passion for cooking. Yet, with a culinary family history dating back three generations, some could say it’s been in his blood for a long while. As he looks forward to this new chapter, Chef Zach says, “I chose Butchers & Bakers because, like the last group I worked with, there’s sole ownership, and I like the ability to interact directly with the owner. It creates a great experience and a great team. Butchers is a brand I can see expanding and growing with, and growth is HUGE for me!” Similarly, Locals 8 Founder and CEO Allie Gamble explains, “We want Butchers & Bakers to be the ultimate culinary destination, and with Chef Zach’s expertise on our side, we know we are there.”
Zach studied at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. Since then, he’s worked for notable Connecticut chefs and restaurants across the country. With that said, Zach is a chef of many talents and many delightful, pallet-pleasing ideas. However, no matter where he goes, he isn’t a fan of the term ‘fine dining.’ Instead, he prefers the concept of ‘casual fine dining’ as his work embodies the quality behind mastery dishes without the weight of poshness or pressure.
For those eager to get a bite of Chef Zach’s new additions to the Butchers & Bakers menu, know he’s just as excited to serve you. From unique cocktails to decadent brunch specials and sensational lunch and dinner entrees, there’s something for everyone to indulge in and enjoy.
